Court orders dangerousness hearing for Auburn meth-lab suspect

Derek A. Ransom sits in a Worcester courtroom waiting for his arraignment on drug charges Monday.

WORCESTER — A 30-year-old child pornography suspect who told authorities he had been cooking methamphetamine for a year was back in court Monday for arraignment on drug charges. He was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing Friday.

Auburn police, state police and federal drug officials were at the home of Derek A. Ransom, 30, of 11 Bylund Ave., with a search warrant for child pornography on Thursday night when, according to police, Trooper Kevin Dwyer discovered a five-gallon barrel of chemicals in the cellar and was overcome by fumes. The house was evacuated and the search halted.

After obtaining a separate warrant to investigate a suspected methamphetamine lab, state police were back at the house Friday with federal drug officials and state and local authorities, including the state police bomb squad, Boston police officers, Auburn Fire Department and state environmental officials.

As a result of the investigation, a warrant on charges of manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and the intent to distribute marijuana was issued for Mr. Ransom on Friday.

At his arraignment on the drug charges Monday, Mr. Ransom sat quietly, surrounded by court officers, his cuffed hands in his lap until his case was called. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Quinlan said the commonwealth filed a motion for the hearing owing to the dangers related to the case.

"Investigators located the various components and ingredients required to manufacture methamphetamine by a means known as a 'One Pot Methamphetamine Lab,' also known as the 'Shake and Bake' method," according to court records. "These methods cause a great risk to the surrounding neighborhood."

Court records also show Mr. Ransom told police that for "approximately one year he has been 'cooking' methamphetamine in his house." In addition to the barrel of chemicals, authorities found in Mr. Ransom's house more than an ounce of marijuana, scales, plastic bags, and glass pipes with residue.

According to the Urban Dictionary, "Shake and Bake is a method of making crystal meth in small batches without a heat source. The method involves mixing and shaking ingredients in a container, such as a 2-liter soda bottle. By preparing the drug in small quantities, cookers can avoid purchasing limits on over-the-counter medicines. Addicts can also prepare their own supply, bypassing dealers."

Based on the drug charges, Judge Michael L. Fabbri informed Mr. Ransom that he is entitled to request an examination to determine whether he is a drug-dependent person who would benefit by treatment and told him that if he chooses to exercise such right, he must do so in writing within five days.

Mr. Ransom, a graduate of St. John's High School who was a star hockey goalie, was represented by Gavin Reardon Jr. of Worcester-based Reardon & Reardon. Mr. Ransom was arraigned Friday in Central District Court on child pornography possession and dissemination charges and is being held at the Worcester County House of Correction in West Boylston.